Watch CBS News

Many Municipalities Salting Roads After Snow As Supplies Run Short

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The sunshine was a blessing Friday for those living out the battle of the salt.

"No salt is being put on the ground, so it gives them a chance to rebuild the supply, or to at least get supply in," said Lou Gorski, the municipal salt coordinator.

In West Elizabeth, the crane at Cargill was moving tons of salt from a barge to trucks as fast as it could, and as soon as one truck was loaded, another moved into place.

It's a scene being played out at every salt terminal as back orders number in the thousands of tons.

"Recognizing that a facility such as West Elizabeth can process around 3,400 to 4,000 tons a day, it doesn't take long to build a backlog," said Gorski.

All over town Friday, we saw the tandems making their runs. The priority is to those most in need first.

"They are addressing people who are totally out first and getting us orders so we are able to maintain and combat the snow," said Ross Township Commissioner Doug Sample.

In Ross Township, the salt shed is showing signs of need, and with snow on the way this weekend, the plan is to be conservative.

"Right now, we're trying to be smart and taking the storm and let it play itself out, and then treating the roads," said Ross Township Public Works Director Michael Funk. "That's saving us a lot of salt."

It's a very common plan right now until the salt distribution can catch up.

In Belle Vernon, a train load was making a dent in the need, but Troy Thompson - from the Pa. Department of General Services - says it could take as much as a week of clear weather to get all the orders filled.

"They are trying their best to at least have some salt; maybe everyone won't get the full delivery of what they ordered, but they are trying to make sure that everyone has some on hand," he said.

RELATED LINKS:
More Reports on the Salt Shortage
Latest Weather Conditions
More Reports by John Shuwmay

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.